The Southern Air Command (SAC) of the Indian Air Force held a significant Industry Outreach Programme and Exhibition focused on “Over-the-Sea Cargo Drones for Logistics and Mobility Solutions for Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands” in Thiruvananthapuram this past Saturday. This initiative is pivotal in enhancing logistical capabilities and connectivity for India’s island territories, particularly the Lakshadweep archipelago.
Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, inaugurated the programme, which also featured a keynote address by Air Marshal Manish Khanna, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Air Command. The event aimed to foster innovative drone-based logistics solutions that can improve supply chain efficiency and connectivity in these remote areas.
In collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the outreach programme attracted a wide array of stakeholders from the defence, aviation, and technological fields. Industry experts, drone manufacturers, and innovators in logistics presented advanced unmanned aerial systems specifically designed for maritime transport, emergency response, and last-mile delivery in remote island settings.
This initiative not only exemplifies the Indian Air Force’s dedication to enhancing logistic frameworks but also emphasizes its commitment to fostering indigenisation and encouraging public-private partnerships. By advocating for the adoption of next-generation air mobility technologies, the programme aims to significantly bolster India’s logistical resilience and operational capabilities across its island territories, thereby ensuring better service delivery and emergency response mechanisms in these hard-to-reach locations.
